Elderly Maine man’s body found in burning home

SOUTH HIRAM, Maine — The State Fire Marshal’s Office says an elderly man died when a fire swept through his home in South Hiram.

The body of 83-year-old Ralph Fournier was found in the rubble of the small house on Tripptown Road a short time after firefighters arrived on the scene, according to a press release from Stephen McCausland, spokesman for the Maine Department of Public Safety.

The house burned to the ground, McCausland said.

Fire investigators suspect the fire was caused by a wood store or a propane heater, as Fournier used both to heat the dwelling.

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Fournier’s body was found in the bedroom.

The fire was reported about 2:45 p.m. Friday by Fournier’s brother, who lives next door.